Credited from: CNN
The Boston Celtics delivered a staggering blow to the Golden State Warriors, winning 125-85 in a match that saw the Warriors suffer their most lopsided home defeat in four decades. This historic loss on Monday night in San Francisco is the worst since a 145-point drubbing by the Dallas Mavericks in 1985, according to AP News.
Jayson Tatum led the charge for the Celtics, scoring 22 points, while Kristaps Porziņģis and Jaylen Brown contributed 18 and 17 points, respectively. The Celtics established an early lead and dominated particularly in the third quarter, outscoring the Warriors 43-24, further highlighting their control throughout the game. The team shot a solid 34.8% from the field, contrasting sharply with the Warriors' struggles, which saw Stephen Curry finish as the leading scorer for Golden State with just 18 points.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who has seen five championships under his belt, recognized the severity of the defeat, stating, "We've got to flush this one down the toilet and get ready for Sac"—referring to their upcoming game against the Sacramento Kings BBC. This match only adds to the Warriors' woes, as they now sit in 11th place in the Western Conference, struggling with a record of 21-21.
Golden State's difficulties were compounded by injuries; with Draymond Green sidelined, the team lacked depth and shot poorly, specifically going 3 of 24 from beyond the arc in the first half. During a crucial 7:32 stretch, they failed to score, which solidified their falling behind by double digits early on. Curry expressed frustration, stating, "A big part of our season has been we can’t score...It’s a mentality thing before it’s a physical thing."
The defeat marks a significant juncture for both teams, as the Celtics, now second in the Eastern Conference with a 30-13 record, continue to position themselves as potential repeat champions CNN.